Action of Rubus coreanus extract on systemic and local anaphylaxis

Rubi Fructus Water Extract Alleviates LPS-Stimulated Macrophage Activation via an ER Stress-Induced Calcium/CHOP Signaling Pathway

Despite the availability of antibiotics and vaccines, many intractable infectious diseases still threaten human health across the globe. Uncontrolled infections can lead to systemic inflammatory response syndrome and the excessive production of inflammatory cytokines, known as a cytokine storm. As cytokines also play necessary and positive roles in fighting infections, it is important to identify nontoxic and anti-inflammatory natural products that can modulate cytokine production caused by infections. Rubi Fructus, the unripe fruits of Rubus coreanus Miquel, are known to possess antioxidative properties. In this study, the effect of the water extract of Rubi Fructus (RF) on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory response in RAW 264.7 macrophages was investigated using biochemical and cell biology techniques. Our data indicated that RF inhibits p38 phosphorylation, intracellular calcium release, and the production of nitric oxide (NO), interleukin (IL)-6, monocyte chemotactic activating factor (MCP)-1, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), lipopolysaccharide-induced CXC chemokine (LIX), granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α, MIP-1β, MIP-2, and regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) in LPS-treated macrophages. In addition, we observed decreasing mRNA expression of Chop, Camk2a, Stat1, Stat3, Jak2, Fas, c-Jun, c-Fos, Nos2, and Ptgs2 without cytotoxic effects. We concluded that RF demonstrated immunoregulatory activity on LPS-stimulated macrophages via an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-induced calcium/CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) pathway and the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) pathway.

Free and bound volatile compounds in the Rubus coreanus fruits of different ripening stages

The aim of the present study was to investigate the free and bound volatiles in the Rubus coreanus (RC) fruits of different ripening stages. Thirty-seven free volatiles and 28 bound volatiles were identified in RC fruit for the first time. The contents of free (E)-2-hexen-1-ol, 1-hexanol, 2-heptanol, β-myrcene, (E), (Z)-β-ocimene, allo-ocimene, linalool, cosmene, α-terpineol, methyl salicylate, eugenol, and β-damascenone remain high, and increased with the ripening of RC fruit. The contents of 11 bound volatiles decreased during the ripening, and became lower than the contents of their free volatiles in the ripe fruit. The ripe black fruit is closely correlated to the free nonanal, sulcatone, (E)-2-hexen-1-ol, 1-hexanol, 2-heptanol, 1-heptanol, 1-nonanol, (E)-linalool oxide (furanoid), and β-damascenone, and bound (E)-2-hexen-1-ol and (E)- β-ocimene. The ripe RC fruit is more fruity and floral than unripe fruit. The gradually hydrolyzed bound volatiles can enhance the fruity, floral, and herbaceous odors. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Rubus coreanus (RC) fruit is a functional natural fruit. Both fresh and processed Rubus coreanus fruits including jams, confitures, wine, yogurt, vinegar, and beverages, as well as ingredients in functional foods or cosmetics have been extensively consumed. However, the free and bound aroma compounds in RC fruit have not been well understood. This work illustrates the contributions of free and bound volatiles to the flavor of RC fruit.

Pharmacological profile of the aerial parts of Rubus ulmifolius Schott

Background

As aerial parts of Rubus ulmifolius contains phytochemicals like flavonoids and tannins. And whereas flavonoids and tannins have antioxidant and antipyretic activity, hence, current work is carried out to screen crude methanolic extract of aerial parts of Rubus ulmifolius (Ru.Cr) and crude flavonoids rich extract of Rubus ulmifolius (Ru.F) for possible antioxidant and antipyretic activity. Ru.Cr and Ru.F are also tested for brine shrimps lethality bioassay. Ru.F is tested for the first time for possible antioxidant and antipyretic activity.

Methods

Preliminary phytochemical screening of Ru.Cr and Ru.F was performed as it provides rapid finger printing for targeting a pharmacological activity. Acute toxicity and Brine shrimps’ cytotoxicity studies of Ru.Cr and Ru.F were performed to determine its safe dose range. Antioxidant and antipyretic studies were also performed as per reported procedures.

Results

Ru.Cr tested positive for presence of tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids and steroids. Ru.Cr is safe up to 6 g/kg following oral doses for acute toxicity study. Ru.Cr is safe up to 75 μg/kg (p.o), LC₅₀ for Ru.Cr and Ru.F are 16.7 ± 1.4 μg/ml 10.6 ± 1.8 μg/ml, respectively (n = 3). Both Ru.Cr and Ru.F demonstrated comparable antioxidant activity using vitamin C as standard (p ≤ 0.05). In test dose of 300 mg of Ru.Cr, rectal temperature was reduced by 74% (p ≤ 0.05) on 4^th hour of the administration. More, Ru.F produced 72% reduction in pyrexia (p ≤ 0.05) on 4^th hour of administration of paracetamol in Westar rats.

Conclusions

The current work confirms that aerial parts of Rubus ulmifolius contain flavonoids that are safe up to 6 g/kg (p.o). Crude methanolic extract and flavonoids rich fraction of Rubus ulmifolius have significant antioxidant and antipyretic activity. Further work is required to isolate the pharmacologically active substances for relatively safe and effective antipyretics and antioxidants.

Protective effect of black raspberry seed containing anthocyanins against oxidative damage to DNA, protein, and lipid

This study aimed to determine bioactive components and radical scavenging capacity of black raspberry seed extracts as byproducts obtaining during the juice (FSE) and wine (WSE) making process. Cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside was identified as a major anthocyanin and the total anthocyanin contents of fresh and wine seed were 78.24 and 41.61 mg/100 g of dry weight, respectively. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents of FSE and WSE were 2.31 g gallic acid equivalent (GAE) and 360.95 mg catechin equivalent (CE), and 2.44 g GAE and 379.54 mg CE per 100 g dry weight, respectively. The oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) values were 1041.9 μM TE/g for FSE and 1060.4 μM TE/g for WSE. Pretreatment of the FSE and WSE inhibited the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), DNA and protein damage induced by hydroxyl radicals, and Fe(3+)/ascorbic acid-induced lipid peroxidation in a dose dependent manner. WSE more effectively protected from oxidative damage than FSE. Results from the current study suggest that black raspberry seeds as byproducts from juice and wine processing could be potential sources for natural antioxidants.

Physicochemical and Sensory Characteristics of Sponge Cakes with Rubus coreanus Powder

To develop new type of sponge cake, the effects of partial (0~40%) replacement with Rubus coreanus powder (RCP) on the quality characteristics of sponge cakes were investigated. The pH level and moisture content ranged from 4.05~8.23 and 28.49~36.59, respectively, and significantly decreased upon addition of RCP (P<0.05). Baking loss rate and cake firmness significantly increased with higher RCP content in the formulation, whereas morphological characteristics of cakes such as height, volume, and symmetry indices significantly decreased (P<0.05). For crumb color values, L*- and b*-values significantly decreased while a*-value significantly increased as a result of RCP substitution (P<0.05). Hedonic sensory results indicated that sponge cakes supplemented with 30~40% RCP showed the most favorable acceptance scores for most of the sensory attributes evaluated. Overall, Rubus coreanus sponge cake could be developed with comparable physicochemical qualities without sacrificing consumer acceptability.

Anthocyanin Profile and Antioxidant Activity of Various Berries Cultivated in Korea

This study examined the anthocyanin composition and antioxidant activity of various berries cultivated in Korea: blueberry, crowberry, Korean black raspberry, mulberry, and strawberry. The anthocyanins in berries were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis, and each component was quantitatively analyzed. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of berries was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical-scavenging, 2,2′-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical cation decolorization, oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), and ferric ion reducing antioxidant (FRAP) assays. The results revealed that the total content of anthocyanins in crowberry was 35.1 mg/g of extract, which was higher than that in the other four major berry species (1.9-27.7 mg/g of extract). Nineteen anthocyanins were identified in the various berries. The major anthocyanins of crowberry were cyanidin-3-galactoside and delphinidin-3-galactoside, and those from Korean black raspberry were cyanidin-3-rutinoside and cyanidin-3-sambubioside-5-rhamnoside. These two berries also had relatively strong antioxidant activity accompanied by high total polyphenol contents. Thus, consumption of crowberry and Korean black raspberry may be beneficial in reducing the risk of developing lifestyle-related chronic diseases because of their strong antioxidant activity.

De-novo RNA sequencing and metabolite profiling to identify genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis in Korean black raspberry (Rubus coreanus Miquel)

The Korean black raspberry (Rubus coreanus Miquel, KB) on ripening is usually consumed as fresh fruit, whereas the unripe KB has been widely used as a source of traditional herbal medicine. Such a stage specific utilization of KB has been assumed due to the changing metabolite profile during fruit ripening process, but so far molecular and biochemical changes during its fruit maturation are poorly understood. To analyze biochemical changes during fruit ripening process at molecular level, firstly, we have sequenced, assembled, and annotated the transcriptome of KB fruits. Over 4.86 Gb of normalized cDNA prepared from fruits was sequenced using Illumina HiSeq™ 2000, and assembled into 43,723 unigenes. Secondly, we have reported that alterations in anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins are the major factors facilitating variations in these stages of fruits. In addition, up-regulation of F3'H1, DFR4 and LDOX1 resulted in the accumulation of cyanidin derivatives during the ripening process of KB, indicating the positive relationship between the expression of anthocyanin biosynthetic genes and the anthocyanin accumulation. Furthermore, the ability of RcMCHI2 (R. coreanus Miquel chalcone flavanone isomerase 2) gene to complement Arabidopsis transparent testa 5 mutant supported the feasibility of our transcriptome library to provide the gene resources for improving plant nutrition and pigmentation. Taken together, these datasets obtained from transcriptome library and metabolic profiling would be helpful to define the gene-metabolite relationships in this non-model plant.

KM110329 in adult patients with atopic dermatitis: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre trial--study protocol

Background

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a high prevalence rate and a large socioeconomic cost. There are many treatments for atopic dermatitis, such as antihistamine, tacrolimus and corticosteroids. However, due to concern about the adverse effects, many patients seek alternative treatments. In this context, natural products are gaining interest. KM110329 is a functional food consisting of four herbs that are beneficial to skin health. The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of KM110329 for atopic dermatitis.

Methods/design

This study is a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled and multicentre trial of KM110329. For this study, we will recruit 66 atopic dermatitis patients of both sexes, with ages ranging from 18 to 65, from three university hospitals. The participants will receive either KM110329 or a placebo twice a day for 8 weeks. The primary end point will be a change in the scoring atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) index. The secondary end points will include changes to the dermatology life quality index (DLQI) and transepidermal water loss (TEWL), among others. The outcomes will be measured at every visit. The study will be continued for 8 weeks and will include five visits with each subject (at screening and at 0, 1, 4 and 8 weeks).

Discussion

This trial will provide research methodologies for evaluate clinical efficacy and safety of KM110329 in adult patients with atopic dermatitis. In addition, we will evaluate the changes in the general skin health status and quality of life.

Trial registrations

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01692093.

Immature Rubus coreanus Shows a Free Radical-Scavenging Effect and Inhibits Cholesterol Synthesis and Secretion in Liver Cells

Rubus coreanus fruits have been employed as a traditional medicine for centuries in the Asia-Pacific region. Its pharmacological action differs according to the different extraction methods utilized and the degree of fruit ripening. In this study, we determined the cellular effect of different ethanol extracts of mature and immature Rubus coreanus fruits in human hepatic cell line, HepG2 cells. The antioxidant activity, effect on superoxide dismutase activity and cholesterol biosynthesis efficiency was also evaluated. Immature Rubus coreanus extract showed higher antioxidant capability, compared with that of its mature fractions. Cellular antioxidant proteins including HO-1, Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase and catalase were highly expressed in the presence of Rubus coreanus. Cholesterol levels in HepG2 cells treated with the water fraction of immature Rubus coreanus were significantly reduced. This antihyperlipidaemic action of Rubus coreanus is a consequence of cholesterol biosynthesis and extracellular secretion in HepG2 cells. These results indicate that among different ethanol fraction of mature and immature Rubus coreanus fruit extracts, water extract of immature fruit extract shows higher antioxidant as well as higher antihyperlipidaemic action.

Topical application of herbal mixture extract inhibits ovalbumin- or 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis

KM110329 is four traditional herbal medicine mixtures with anti-inflammatory properties. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory skin disease associated with enhanced T-helper2 (Th2) lymphocyte response to allergens that results in elevated serum eosinophil and Immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels and leukocyte infiltration in atopic skin sites. In this study, we investigated the effect of topical application of KM110329 ethanol extract on the ovalbumin (OVA) or 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene- (DNCB-) induced AD mouse models. For that purpose, we observed the effects of KM110329 on blood eosinophils, skin mast cells, production of serum IgE, and expression of cytokine mRNA in the atopic dermatitis skin lesions of OVA allergen- or DNCB-treated BALB/c mice. KM110329 significantly reduced blood eosinophils cell numbers in OVA or DNCB-treated BALB/c mice. Histological analyses demonstrated decreased mast cell count as well as dermal infiltration by inflammatory cells. In the skin lesions, mRNA expression of interleukine (IL)-4, IL-13, and IL-17 was inhibited by KM110329. KM110329 also suppressed the production of serum IgE level in both the OVA- and DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis model. Taken together, our results showed that topical application of KM110329 extracts exerts beneficial effects in AD symptoms, suggesting that KM110329 might be a useful candidate for the treatment of AD.

Rubus coreanusInhibits Oxidized-LDL Uptake by Macrophages Through Regulation of JNK Activation

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) contributes to atherosclerosis in part by being taken up into macrophages via scavenger receptors and leading to foam cell formation. Herbal compounds that have been used to treat blood stasis (a counterpart of atherosclerosis) for centuries include extracts of medicinal plants in the Rosaceae and Leguminosae families. In this study, we investigated the effect of the unripe Rubus coreanus (Korean black raspberry) fruit extract on oxLDL uptake by murine macrophage cells. In the presence of Rubus coreanus extract (RCE), Dil-labeled oxLDL uptake was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner. SP600125, a specific JNK inhibitor, inhibited the uptake of Dil-oxLDL into macrophages. RCE also inhibited JNK phosphorylation in a time- and dose-dependent manner in macrophages treated with oxLDL. These results indicate that among the mitogen-activated protein kinases, JNK phosphorylation is inhibited by RCE, which is likely the mechanism underlying the RCE-induced inhibition of oxLDL uptake by macrophages.

Enhanced immunomodulatory activity of gelatin-encapsulated Rubus coreanus Miquel nanoparticles

The aim of this work was to investigate the immunomodulatory activities of Rubus coreanus Miquel extract-loaded gelatin nanoparticles. The mean size of the produced nanoparticles was 143 ± 18 nm with a bandwidth of 76 nm in the size distribution and a maximum size of ~200 nm, which allows effective nanoparticle uptake by cells. Confocal imaging confirmed this, since the nanoparticles were internalized within 30 min and heterogeneously distributed throughout the cell. Zeta-potential measurements showed that from pH = 5 onwards, the nanoparticles were highly negatively charged, which prevents agglomeration to clusters by electrostatic repulsion. This was confirmed by TEM imaging, which showed a well dispersed colloidal solution. The encapsulation efficiency was nearly 60%, which is higher than for other components encapsulated in gelatin nanoparticles. Measurements of immune modulation in immune cells showed a significant effect by the crude extract, which was only topped by the nanoparticles containing the extract. Proliferation of B-, T- and NK cells was notably enhanced by Rubus coreanus-gelatin nanoparticles and in general ~2–3 times higher than control and on average ~2 times higher than ferulic acid. R. coreanus-gelatin nanoparticles induced cytokine secretion (IL-6 and TNF-α) from B- and T-cells on average at a ~2–3 times higher rate compared with the extract and ferulic acid. In vivo immunomodulatory activity in mice fed with R. coreanus-gelatin nanoparticles at 1 mL/g body weight showed a ~5 times higher antibody production compared to control, a ~1.3 times higher production compared to the extract only, and a ~1.6 times higher production compared to ferulic acid. Overall, our results suggest that gelatin nanoparticles represent an excellent transport vehicle for Rubus coreanus extract and extracts from other plants generally used in traditional Asian medicine. Such nanoparticles ensure a high local concentration that results in enhancement of immune cell activities, including proliferation, cytokine secretion, and antibody production.

Antiulcer activity of anthocyanins from Rubus coreanus via association with regulation of the activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2

Anthocyanins were extracted from the fruits of Rubus coreanus. Whether their antioxidant properties and antiulcer activity in gastric ulceration have been accompanied by the activation of matrix metalloproteainse-2 (MMP-2) was investigated. To assess the effect of anthocyanins on gastric ulcer, the rats were administered with anthocyanins (20, 50, and 80 mg/kg of body weight) before treatment with naproxen (80 mg/kg of body weight) to induce gastric ulceration. Lipid peroxidation and the activities of radical scavenging enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase were determined. The MMP-2 level was tested by zymography and Western blot. Anthocyanins of R. coreanus exhibit possible antiulcer activity in acute ulcer in a rat model by preventing lipid peroxidation and a significant increase in the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase. Also, anthocyanins induce activation of MMP-2 and attenuate the activity of the proinflammatory molecules, such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β.

Optimization of the extraction of anthocyanin from Bokbunja (Rubus coreanus Miq.) marc produced during traditional wine processing and characterization of the extracts

The extraction of anthocyanin from Bokbunja (Rubus coreanus Miq.) marc generated during traditional wine processing was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). A face-centered cube design (FCD) consisting of 17 experimental runs, including five replicates at the center point, was used to investigate the effects of the three variables (solid-liquid ratio, time, and temperature) on anthocyanin extraction, and the results showed that the relationship between the three variables and the total anthocyanin content followed a quadratic model (R2=0.8853). In addition, the RSM analysis predicted that the optimum conditions for extraction consisted of a solid-liquid ratio of 20, a time of 60min, and a temperature of 60 degrees C. Verification tests performed under these optimum conditions gave 34.7+/-1.4mg/100g of anthocyanin, which was close to predicted value of 37.2mg/100g. Additionally, analysis of water extracts prepared using the predicted optimum conditions revealed that the carbohydrates (sugar and pectin) in Bokbunja marc underwent significant variation toward the formation of by-products (glycerol and uronic acids) during yeast fermentation, and that the amount of anthocyanin produced was reduced 10-fold when compared to the original extraction. Further, the results of HPLC-PDA-MS/MS analysis of the anthocyanins extracted from Bokbunja marc revealed the presence of six anthocyanin components, which were tentatively identified as cyanidin 3-O-sambubioside, cyanidin 3-O-xylosylrutinoside, cyanidin 3-O-rutinoside, pelargonidin 3-O-rutinoside, delphinidin 3-O-rutinoside-?, and delphinidin 3-O-glucuronide.

Fermentation filtrates of Rubus coreanus relax the corpus cavernosum and increase sperm count and motility

We investigated the effects of fermentation filtrates from Rubus coreanus on the function of the male reproductive system. We performed an ex vivo study to determine if the candidate compounds relax isolated New Zealand white rabbit corpus cavernosum, which were precontracted by phenylephrine (5 x 10(-5) M). The results reveal that the filtrates of the reddish-purple (FRRC) and green (FGRC) R. coreanus exerted concentration-dependent relaxing effects, leading to median effective concentrations of 4.53 mg/mL and >10 mg/mL, respectively. For the in vivo study, male ICR mice were orally administered FRRC or FGRC (100 or 500 mg/kg) for 28 days, and the reproductive organ weights, serum testosterone level, cauda epididymal sperm counts, and motility were analyzed. Both the FRRC and FGRC had no significant effect on the reproductive organ weights; however, FRRC (100 or 500 mg/kg) enhanced testosterone levels and especially sperm counts at the higher dose (500 mg/kg). In comparison, FGRC increased hormone levels and sperm counts at a relatively low dose (100 mg/kg). In summary, it is proposed that the crude fermentation filtrates of ripe R. coreanus have positive effects on the function of the male reproductive system by triggering a penile erection, enhancing serum testosterone levels, and increasing epididymal sperm counts.

Characterization of seed oils from fresh Bokbunja (Rubus coreanus Miq.) and wine processing waste

The physicochemical characteristics, fatty acid (FA) profile, and triacylglyceride (TAG) composition of seed oils from fresh Bokbunja (Rubus coreanus Miq.) fruits and traditional Bokbunja wine processing waste were determined in this study. Oil contents of the fresh seeds and the seeds from wine processing waste were similar, accounting for about 18% of dry weight. The free fatty acid (FFA) content between the two seed oils was significantly different (0.50% for fresh seed oil and 73.14% for wine seed oil). Iodine, conjugated diene, saponification values, and unsaponifiable matter were very similar in the oil samples, but the specific extinction coefficients at 232 and 270 nm of wine seed oil were higher than those of fresh seed oil. Linoleic (C18:2, 50.45-53.18%, L) and linolenic (C18:3, 29.36-33.25%, Ln) acids were the dominant FAs in the two seed oils, whereas oleic (C18:1, 7.32-8.04%, O), palmitic (C16:0, 1.55-1.65%, P), and stearic (C18:0, 0.65-0.68%, S) acids were the minor FAs. LLL, OLL, LLLn, OOL, LLnLn, and OOO were the abundant TAGs, representing >90% of the oils.

Rubus - A Review of its Phytochemical and Pharmacological Profile

Species of the genus Rubus (family Rosaceae, sub-family Rosoideae, tribe Potentilleae) are widely distributed in the warmer temperate zones of the northern hemisphere. Rubus species have been known since ancient times for their curative properties, and have been used for the treatment of various ailments, such as wounds, diarrhea, colic pain, diabetes, inflammatory disorders, and as antimicrobial agents. However, their use has been based mainly on empirical findings. This contribution provides a comprehensive review of the work published on the phytochemistry and pharmacology of the Rubus species over the past few years, in order to obtain a better understanding of the biological significance of this large genus.

Therapeutic Potential and Chemical Composition of Plants from the Genus Rubus: A Mini Review of the Last 10 Years

Rubus species (Rosaceae) are appreciated for their fruits and their traditional therapeutic uses. Several experimental investigations indicate important biological effects of these plants, related to the presence of different classes of chemical substances, especially terpenoids and phenolic compounds. This work outlines the main biological properties and chemical constituents of the genus Rubus over the last 10 years, with particular emphasis on the plants that occur in Brazil.

Effects of Rubus coreanus on sperm parameters and cAMP-responsive element modulator (CREM) expression in rat testes

Rubi Fructus (RF), the dried, unripe fruit of Rubus coreanus M IQ. (Rosaceae), has been used to improve male reproductive function in traditional Korean medicine. In this study, we investigated the effects of RF on sperm parameters and expression of cAMP-responsive element modulator (CREM), which has a crucial role in spermatogenesis. RF was administered to 8-week-old male Wistar rats for 56 consecutive days (1.0 g/kg, daily, p.o.). Sperm analysis, RT-PCR, and Western blot assays were then carried out. The RF-treated animals showed significant increases in the weight of the testes, epididymal sperm count, and sperm motility compared to the control group. RF also increased the expression of CREM at both the mRNA and protein levels. These results suggest that RF may improve male fertility by enhancing spermatogenesis.